In-body device having a multi-directional transmitter

Abstract

Multi-directional transmitters for in-body devices, such as implantable and ingestible devices, are provided. Aspects of the in-body multi-direction transmitters of the invention include signal transmitters configured to transmit an identifying signal in at least two different directions in an x-y plane. Embodiments of the in-body devices are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for identification of an event occurring within a liquid environment, the apparatus comprising:
 a sealed support structure; 
 a control unit secured within the structure for producing an identifiable electrical pattern upon contact of the apparatus with the liquid environment; and 
 a plurality of transmission electrodes each capable of emanating the pattern, wherein the plurality of transmission electrodes are distributed about the structure to conductively communicate with the liquid environment when the apparatus is in contact with the liquid environment, and wherein each transmission electrode is electrically coupled to the control unit, and 
 wherein the control unit comprises:
 a pattern control module; 
 a multi-directional transmitter comprising the plurality of transmission electrodes and including a plurality of outputs, wherein each output is coupled to one of the plurality of transmission electrodes, and wherein the multi-directional transmitter is configured to operate as at least one of a monopole transmitter or a dipole transmitter; and 
 
 wherein the control unit controls electrical current conducted through the liquid environment from the plurality of transmission electrodes to emanate the pattern using at least two directions, and wherein emanation of the pattern corresponds to contact between the apparatus and the liquid; 
 wherein the plurality of transmission electrodes comprise a first, second and third emanating elements and the control unit is configured to produce the pattern using the following sequence of emanating elements:
 the first and second emanating elements; 
 the second and third emanating elements; and 
 the third and first emanating elements. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the multi-directional transmitter is configured to operate as a dipole transmitter. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the multi-directional transmitter is configured to operate as a monopole transmitter. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pattern control module controls the transmitter to output a first portion of the pattern on a first electrode of the plurality of transmission electrodes and a second portion of the pattern on a second electrode of transmission the plurality of electrodes, each transmission occurring simultaneously. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pattern control module controls the transmitter to output a first portion of the pattern on a first electrode of the plurality of transmission electrodes and a second portion of the pattern on a second electrode of the plurality of transmission electrodes, each transmission occurring sequentially. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of transmission electrodes represent a high voltage potential and the apparatus comprises a common electrode that represent a low voltage potential wherein current flows through the liquid environment from the high voltage electrodes to the low voltage electrode and wherein the apparatus includes a conductance control component for altering the conductance to control the current flow to produce a unique current signature. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of transmission electrodes is coupled to an antenna. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein each of the antennas is linear. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein each of the antennas is non-linear. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to sequentially transmit portions of the pattern and wherein the portions are bits. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the unit is rendered operational upon the apparatus coming into contact with a target site fluid present at a target site. 
     
     
       12. A system for marking the occurrence of an event, the system comprising:
 an electrical pattern production unit, wherein the electrical pattern production unit comprises:
 a logical control unit for producing an identifiable electrical pattern; 
 a multi-directional transmitter comprising a plurality of output conductors and electrically coupled to the logical control unit, and wherein each of the plurality of output conductors is capable of emanating the pattern; and 
 a sealed structure, wherein the plurality of output conductors are distributed about the structure and the logical control unit is contained in the structure; 
 and wherein the logical control unit controls electrical current conducted through the liquid environment from the plurality of transmission electrodes of the multi-directional transmitter to emanate the pattern in at least two directions using at least two of the plurality of output conductors, and wherein the multi-directional transmitter is configured to operate as a monopole transmitter when emanating the pattern in the at least two directions using the at least two of the plurality of output conductors; and 
 wherein the plurality of transmission electrodes comprise a first, second and third emanating elements and the unit is configured to produce the pattern using the following sequence of emanating elements: 
 the first and second emanating elements; 
 the second and third emanating elements; and 
 the third and first emanating elements; and 
 
 a receiver for detecting the pattern produced by the logical control unit to record the occurrence of the event. 
 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 12 , wherein said receiver is an in vivo receiver. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 12 , wherein said receiver is an ex vivo receiver.